Gareth Southgate explains why Fabian Delph captains England against USA
England boss Gareth Southgate is set to rest Harry Kane and a host of stars for Thursday nights friendly against the United States, with Fabian Delph wearing the armband instead.
The Three Lions host USA at Wembley in a match that will be dedicated to the nations all-time greatest goalscorer, Wayne Rooney, who is making a one-off return to celebrate his England career.
He will also don the armband when he makes a second-half cameo, with Delph happy to give him the honour as he leads out what is likely to be a significantly weakened XI ahead of Sundays crunch UEFA Nations League clash with Croatia.
Fabian is captaining his country for the first time and it is brilliant reward for him. He is an outstanding player and outstanding person, explained Southgate.
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He is a huge leader within our group and I have really enjoyed working with him.
You dont give the England captaincy to someone unless they really have the attributes you think can carry it and he has those outstanding attributes.
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He had a huge influence on the group all through the summer. He was one of the big reasons we were successful.
When you have people who give all of themselves even when theyre not in the starting team, then thats why you have successful teams. So a big night for a lot of players.
Asked if hell give Rooney the captaincy when he comes on, Delph joked: I probably wont get the armband again so probably not, no. Ill probably keep hold of it!
No, when I first came into the England setup Wayne was captain and he welcomed me, put his arm around me and made me feel at home. As soon as he comes on tomorrow Ill be giving him that armband back.
More: England National Team
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